What kind of pet(s) have you (I) had? Part 1

Tweet

A few years ago I decided it was time to have a pet again. I love dogs (especially pugs) but feel that they are too much of a responsibility at this time in my life. I've had both salt and fresh water fish tanks--10 at one time including a 50 gallon one--but you don't get back anything from fish tanks though they are beautiful to watch. I love to watch cats but have never had the desire to own one. A waiter I was with suggested I get a couple of budgies--you know them better as parakeets--and after thinking it over I decided why not? I wanted a pet that would involve a minimum of care and they seem to fit the bill. On March 16 I came home with Butch and Sky without having done any research--bad move--but I immediately went on the Internet and to Border's and read everything I could. If I wanted a bird to interact with I should have gotten a single bird but I didn't and I didn't--they would entertain each other. Of course I didn't think male + female ='s babies--I did everything the opposite the research showed in order to breed babies. After teaching them how to 'step up' for safety I stopped clipping their wings and left the cage open for them to fly around (after 'bird proofing the place)--their antics were a joy to watch (what acrobats they are!) After a year and a half my friend Jill whom I met in a bird chat room decided to try to breed her budgies and asked if I would like a couple if it was a success--they were and a year and a half after getting Butch and Sky I acquired Leader and Spitfire, another couple. The four had been together in the same cage for years, got along well together--they fly around together as a flock--and were very little trouble.. A couple of years later Jill and I went to the local bird shop for supplies and a tiel hopped on me as if to say, "Take me home"--by this time I knew a tiel needs a little more interaction, attention and training--I left. The next day I had a knock on the door and there was Jill with MY tiel--I named her Loner and she turned out to be a delight--there was little interaction between her and the budgies except she went into their cage to eat and play with their toys and they went into her cage to do the same--though they all got the same toys and food I guess they thought the 'grass was greener on the other side". I became very attached to her. She would sit on the chair, or me, when I watched TV--she would play on my desk when I was on the computer--nip (slightly) on my arm to tell me it was time for the 10 PM treat--a real joy. And then----- See part 2 PS By the way I just found out, by accident, that if you click on the picture you will see an enlarged version which in this case it is worth doing!